19 January 2004 16:03
Putin briefed on energy sector`s performance, outlook
[Presenter] The president today met Russian Energy Minister Igor Yusufov to discuss the state of affairs in the
Russian energy sector. Last year the industry generated some R700bn in the form of tax revenues for the budget as its
output grew, the minister said. This year the plan calls for an increase of a further 20 per cent.
[Putin] First, given that our fuel and energy sector is the main supplier of both energy resources and state -
primarily federal - budget revenues, I would like you to tell me what has been done there. As you know, I was also asked
several questions by oil industry workers in the live phone-in on TV at the end of December. The conditions in which
they work were all too obvious. Is there any progress on social issues in the industry?
[Yusufov] In total, output grew across the board in 2003, for all types of energy resources. The economy's
domestic demand was met in full. Russia's positions on the global energy market were also reinforced. Tax revenues
for the budgets of all levels increased accordingly.
The resolution of energy sector workers' social issues is at the centre of attention, primarily in the oil
industry. The task has been set before oil companies and conglomerates of more money for workers' pay in the fuel
and energy sector, for their incomes to rise.
This year, it is expected that the industry's workforce will grow by approximately 5.5 per cent.
[Channel One TV] |
RUSSIA IN FACTS
